Dr. Megan Johnson McCullough –The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth two times per day with fluoride toothpaste. One of our childhood milestones was learning to brush our teeth. This practice is a regular routine in our lives. We know we have to get the front, sides, and all the way in back. We brush our teeth to remove the plaque and tartar that has built up. Plus, brushing aims to fight off cavities. By doing so, we can have whiter teeth, a sparkly smile, and fresh breath.
Neglecting your mouth’s health is part of ignoring your entire body’s health. Taking those 3 or 4 minutes per day should not be skipped. The mouth is full of bacteria. If left dirty, this bacterium can spread, enter the blood stream, and effect your health. Cleaning those gems can lower the risk of heart disease. It can prevent gingivitis which is the swelling and bleeding of the gums. Some studies link oral health to dementia. So take those stains off your teeth and brush.
There are so many types of toothpastes to choose from. The most important ingredient to look for is fluoride. This mineral wards off tooth decay and cavities. The bacterium in our mouths loves to feed on leftovers, and in doing so releases acid. Fluoride helps build tooth enamel to prevent damage caused by this acid. It also helps reverse what damage has been done by the acid. The second items to look for on the label is containing tartar. Plaque is the bacteria that lives on our teeth. If left and not cleaned, this plaque hardens into tartar. A toothpaste with tartar contains certain antibiotics to kill the bacteria. Other pastes to consider would be those that contain teeth whitening assistance. There are toothpastes available for sensitive teeth too. Whatever you pick, be sure that the label says American Dental Association (ADA) approved.
The dentists always seem to lecture about the importance of flossing too. It does take away about 40% of those bacteria build up. That acid from the plaque really irritates the gums and when left in between the teeth, it is an environment for bacteria to grow. Bacteria loves to settle in those nooks and crannies. Sometimes when you floss, you will see blood. That just means there was plaque that is being removed.
Your never fully dressed without a smile so be sure to take care of the one you have. Your wallet, mouth, person on the receiving end of a kiss, and anyone in breath’s distance from you, will thank you for that 2-part brushing routine. Oh yeah, and don’t forget to brush your tongue and roof of you mouth. Bacteria is not meant to set up shop in your mouth, so brush it away, and brighten your hygiene with a sparkling smile.
